The River Valley Senior Networking Group is organizing the annual River Valley Health Expo, scheduled for April 11 at the Hughes Community Center in Russellville.

Organizers are encouraging businesses, community groups, nonprofits and civic clubs to participate.

"We want all health-related businesses and groups in the River Valley to be represented at what we hope will be a large and well-attended health event for our community," Lori Kamerling, co-chairman of the Senior Networking Group, said.

Vendors will set up the day before the event and are encouraged to bring literature, brochures and information on their business and groups. There is no booth fee, but organizers ask that vendors supply a door prize for the event.

"We want our community to know what health services and programs are available to them," Kamerling said.

Organizers are trying to schedule the health screenings to allow the most people to take advantage of them.

"The Expo will begin at 7:30 a.m. to accommodate those who are on their way to work, and will remain open until 1 p.m. to allow for those on lunch breaks to visit the booths and take advantage of the free health screens," Kamerling said.

The health screenings include vision and hearing screenings and blood pressure checks. In previous years, nearly 100 residents received health screenings at the Expo.

"It is definitely one of our biggest draws and a very needed service," Kamerling said. "We are working on possibly getting other screens, unfortunately, cholesterol and glucose screenings are quite expensive. If a business or group is interested in providing these screenings, we would be happy to discuss it with them."

In the past, the Expo has been conducted in September and has had as many as 50 booths. Kamerling said the group hopes to have "that many and more" this year.

The Health Expo, although sponsored by the River Valley Senior Networking Group, is open to all age groups.

For more information or to register as a vendor, call Kamerling at 967-9300 or Terri Fuller at 968-5039.